Chapter 10:MM

Back at Verosika's penthouse apartment, the vibe was much lighter, though still tinged with the usual chaos that seemed to follow IMP wherever they went. Verosika, ever the pragmatist, had decided to clear out her walk-in closet to make room for Moxxie and Millie. The closet itself was large enough to fit a bunk bed, and after some rearranging and a bit of magic, it was transformed into a cozy little nook for the two new recruits.

Verosika stood at the entrance of the closet, arms crossed, her expression stern. "Alright, you two," she began, eyeing Moxxie and Millie, who were standing side by side, looking a bit sheepish. "No hanky panky in here, got it? Remember, you're both only 15. Just because you've got your own space doesn't mean you get to play house."

Millie blushed a deep crimson, her Southern accent thick as she stammered out a response. "Oh, no, Miss Verosika, we wouldn't dream of it! Ain't that right, Moxxie?"

Moxxie nodded fervently, his cheeks matching Millie's in color. "Absolutely! We're just… you know, trying to stay out of trouble."

Verosika smirked, clearly amused by their bashfulness. "Good. Keep it that way." Despite her tough exterior, she had a soft spot for the two, especially after seeing how well they handled themselves back at Lululand. "Now, get settled in. You've got a lot of training ahead of you."

Loona, who had been watching from the doorway, couldn't resist chiming in. "Yeah, especially you, 'big bro.'" She grinned mischievously, her tail wagging. "Hope you're ready to get your fat butt kicked."

Moxxie's eyes widened in horror, his hands instinctively going to cover his rear. "I do not have a fat butt!"

Millie giggled, nudging Moxxie playfully. "Aw, Mox, don't get so worked up. Loona's just teasin' ya."

Loona snickered, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Better get used to it. Now that you're living here, I've got plenty of time to come up with new names."

Moxxie sighed, already feeling the weight of being the youngest "big brother" in this strange new family. But despite the teasing, he couldn't deny that it felt… nice. He had never really had a family before, not one that cared about him, at least. And even though Loona was clearly going to make his life a bit more complicated, he couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging.

"Alright, you two," Verosika interrupted, her tone softer now. "Get some rest. Blitz and Barbie are going to put you through the wringer tomorrow, so you'll need all the energy you can get."

With that, she turned and left, Loona following close behind, still chuckling to herself about Moxxie's "fat butt."

As the door closed, Millie turned to Moxxie with a shy smile. "Guess we're really in this together, huh?"

Moxxie nodded, his heart skipping a beat as he met her gaze. "Yeah… I guess we are."

--

The next morning, training began in earnest. Blitzø and Barbie were no-nonsense instructors, and they wasted no time putting Moxxie and Millie through their paces. The IMP headquarters had been cleared out and turned into a makeshift training ground, complete with dummies, targets, and an obstacle course that looked more like something out of a horror movie than a gym.

Blitzø clapped his hands together, a wicked grin on his face. "Alright, recruits, listen up! Today's lesson is all about busting heads and taking names! We're gonna toughen you up, teach you how to fight, and most importantly, how to survive. Got it?"

Moxxie and Millie stood at attention, nodding vigorously. Millie was practically vibrating with excitement, while Moxxie looked more determined than ever, though a bit apprehensive.

Barbie, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, smirked. "Millie, you're up first. Let's see what you've got."

Millie stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Yes, ma'am! I'm ready!"

Blitzø handed her a pair of brass knuckles, his grin widening. "Alright, country girl, let's see if you can hit as hard as you talk."

Millie slipped the brass knuckles on and approached the first dummy, a wicked-looking contraption that was designed to fight back. Without hesitation, she let out a battle cry and swung with all her might, delivering a powerful punch that sent the dummy's head spinning.

Blitzø let out a low whistle. "Well, I'll be damned. You've got some serious power in those fists, kid."

Millie beamed, clearly pleased with herself. "My daddy always said, 'Millie, you gotta hit hard enough to make 'em think twice 'bout messin' with ya.'"

Barbie chuckled, clearly impressed. "Your daddy raised you right. Keep that up, and you'll be tearing through enemies in no time."

Next, it was Moxxie's turn. Blitzø handed him a small pistol, his expression serious. "Alright, Moxxie. Let's see if you've got the guts to pull the trigger."

Moxxie took the gun, his hands trembling slightly. He had fired guns before, but never with the intention of actually hitting someone—at least, not someone who wasn't a target. He took a deep breath, steadying himself as he aimed at the target.

"Come on, Moxxie!" Blitzø shouted. "Pull the damn trigger!"

Moxxie squeezed his eyes shut and fired. The bullet hit the target, but it was off-center, grazing the edge instead of hitting the bullseye. Moxxie winced, expecting Blitzø to berate him, but instead, he was met with a considering look.

"Not bad, but not good enough," Blitzø said, his tone surprisingly gentle. "You've got to learn to shoot without hesitation. If you hesitate, you die. Got it?"

Moxxie nodded, swallowing hard. "Y-yes, sir."

Millie, who had been watching from the sidelines, gave him an encouraging smile. "You did great, Moxxie. You'll get the hang of it."

Blitzø, meanwhile, had turned his attention to Millie. "Alright, country girl, let's see what you can do with a blade."

Millie's eyes lit up as Blitzø handed her a knife, the weight of it familiar in her hand. "Now, this is more like it," she said with a grin.

Barbie tossed a few dummies into the training area, and Millie wasted no time, charging at them with a speed and ferocity that took everyone by surprise. She moved like a whirlwind, her knife slicing through the air with deadly precision. Within moments, the dummies were nothing more than shredded fabric and stuffing.

Blitzø raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "You sure you're only 15? 'Cause you fight like you've been doing this for years."

Millie blushed, wiping the sweat from her brow. "Well, I grew up on a farm. Had to fend off all sorts of critters. I reckon this ain't all that different."

Moxxie watched her in awe, his admiration for her growing by the second. He had known Millie was strong, but seeing her in action was something else entirely.

Barbie, who had been observing Moxxie's reaction, nudged Blitzø with a smirk. "Looks like our little imp's got himself a crush."

Blitzø rolled his eyes. "Great. Just what we need—romance in the middle of training."

Barbie laughed, clearly enjoying the situation. "Come on, Blitz. Let the kid have his moment. Besides, they're kinda cute together."

Blitzø grumbled something under his breath but didn't argue. He knew better than to try and stop young love, especially when it was blossoming right in front of him.

As the day wore on, Moxxie and Millie continued their training, each push from Blitzø and Barbie bringing them closer together. Moxxie was slowly but surely finding his confidence, especially with Millie's unwavering support. Millie, in turn, was thriving, her excitement for the work only growing as she learned more about IMP and what they stood for.

During breaks, Loona would pop in to tease Moxxie, calling him all sorts of silly nicknames, much to his chagrin. But despite his protests, Moxxie couldn't help but feel a warmth in his chest. Loona's teasing, as much as it annoyed him, was also a sign that he was being accepted into this strange new family.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the training grounds, Blitzø called it a day. "Alright, that's enough for today. You two did good. Better than I expected, honestly."

Moxxie and Millie, both exhausted but proud, exchanged smiles. "Thank you, Blitzø," Moxxie said, his voice sincere. "We won't let you down."

Blitzø grunted, waving them off. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't get yourselves killed. We've got a lot more work to do

The days passed in a blur of training and camaraderie. Moxxie and Millie found themselves growing more and more comfortable with the IMP crew, and it wasn't long before they started feeling like a real part of the team. Blitzø and Barbie were relentless in their instruction, but their tough love approach brought out the best in the two young imps.

One afternoon, Blitzø decided it was time to introduce Moxxie and Millie to a crucial part of the business—fieldwork.

"Alright, kiddos," Blitzø began, addressing the pair with a sly grin. "You've been doing pretty well in training, but now it's time to see if you can actually put those skills to use in the real world."

Millie's eyes lit up with excitement. "Ya mean we're goin' on a mission?"

Blitzø nodded. "That's right. Just a simple hit, nothing too crazy. But you'll both need to be on your A-game. Remember, out there, it's kill or be killed."

Moxxie swallowed hard, his nerves starting to kick in. He had been practicing with the weapons Blitzø provided, but the thought of actually having to use them on a living target was daunting. "W-what's the target?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Barbie handed them a file, the front of it stamped with the word "CONFIDENTIAL" in bold red letters. "Here's the rundown," she said, flipping it open to reveal a photo of a human man with a smarmy grin. "Name's Phil DeLarge. He's a corrupt businessman who's been screwing over his employees for years. One of them finally got fed up and put a hit out on him."

Millie studied the photo, her expression hardening. "Piece of scum deserves what's comin' to him."

Moxxie nodded in agreement, though the pit in his stomach remained. This was what he had signed up for, after all. Still, the reality of taking a life weighed heavily on him.

Blitzø, noticing Moxxie's hesitation, clapped him on the back. "Don't overthink it, Moxxie. This guy's a grade-A jerk. You're doing the world a favor by taking him out."

Moxxie forced a smile. "Yeah… Yeah, I know. I'm ready."

Blitzø grinned, clearly pleased with Moxxie's resolve. "That's the spirit! Alright, let's get going."

--

The mission was simple enough: infiltrate Phil DeLarge's mansion, take him out, and get out before anyone noticed. Blitzø and Barbie were there to supervise, but they let Moxxie and Millie take the lead.

As they approached the mansion, Millie's enthusiasm was palpable. "This is it, Moxxie! Our first real mission! Ain't it excitin'?"

Moxxie, his nerves still frayed, managed a nod. "Yeah, it is. Just… remember to stay focused."

Millie grinned, her accent thick with excitement. "Don't worry 'bout me. I was born ready."

Blitzø gave them both a thumbs up. "Alright, you two. Get in there and show me what you've got."

With that, Moxxie and Millie crept into the mansion, their movements swift and silent. The place was massive, with grand chandeliers, marble floors, and expensive artwork lining the walls. It was clear that Phil DeLarge had been living large on the backs of his employees.

As they made their way through the mansion, they encountered a few guards. Millie took them down with ease, her knife flashing in the dim light as she dispatched them with brutal efficiency. Moxxie, on the other hand, struggled to keep his hands steady, the weight of the gun in his hand feeling heavier than ever.

Finally, they reached the main office where Phil DeLarge was holed up. Millie nudged Moxxie, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "This is it, Moxxie. Ya ready?"

Moxxie nodded, though his heart was pounding in his chest. "Y-yeah. Let's do this."

They burst into the office, weapons at the ready. Phil DeLarge, who had been sitting at his desk, looked up in shock as they entered. "What the hell—?"

Before he could finish his sentence, Millie was on him, her knife pressed to his throat. "You're a dead man, Phil," she hissed, her voice low and dangerous.

Phil's eyes widened in fear, his hands trembling as he tried to push her away. "Wait! Wait, I can pay you! Whatever they're giving you, I'll double it! Just—just let me go!"

Moxxie, his gun trained on Phil, hesitated. He could see the fear in the man's eyes, the desperation as he begged for his life. Part of him wanted to pull the trigger, to end it right there. But another part of him hesitated, the weight of what he was about to do bearing down on him.

"Do it, Moxxie!" Millie urged, her voice cutting through his thoughts. "He's scum, and he deserves this!"

Moxxie's finger hovered over the trigger, his mind racing. He knew she was right. Phil DeLarge was a bad man, and the world would be better off without him. But still…

Before Moxxie could make a decision, a gunshot rang out. Millie's knife flashed, and in one swift motion, she slit Phil's throat. The man gurgled, his eyes rolling back as he slumped to the floor, blood pooling around him.

Moxxie stared in shock, his gun still in hand. "Millie… you…"

Millie wiped her knife on Phil's shirt, her expression calm and resolute. "He wasn't worth the bullet."

Blitzø and Barbie, who had been watching from the doorway, stepped into the room. Blitzø clapped his hands, a proud grin on his face. "Now that's what I'm talking about! Great job, you two."

Barbie nodded in agreement. "You handled that like a pro, Millie. And Moxxie… you'll get there. Don't worry."

Moxxie nodded numbly, his mind still reeling from what had just happened. He had been so close to pulling the trigger, so close to crossing that line. But in the end, it had been Millie who had done it.

As they made their way out of the mansion, Moxxie couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Pride, relief, and a strange sense of unease. He knew this was just the beginning, that there would be more missions, more targets. And he knew he had to be ready.

Millie, sensing his inner turmoil, reached out and took his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You did good, Moxxie," she said softly. "We're in this together, remember?"

Moxxie looked at her, his heart swelling with gratitude. "Yeah… Thanks, Millie. I'm glad you're here."

As they walked back to the getaway car, Loona was waiting for them, her usual teasing smirk on her face. "Well, well, well. Looks like you two made it back in one piece. How's the 'fat butt' holding up, Moxxie?"

Moxxie rolled his eyes, but there was a small smile on his face. "Still here, Loona. Still here."

Blitzø revved the engine, looking back at them with a grin. "Alright, team. Let's get the hell out of here. We've got another client waiting."

As they sped off into the night, Moxxie and Millie sat in the back, hands still intertwined. They were officially part of IMP now, and no matter what came next, they knew they could handle it—as long as they had each other.

As IMP settled into their new routine, life became a strange mix of chaos and camaraderie. Blitzø and Verosika ran the show with their usual flair, orchestrating missions and keeping the team on track, while also trying to maintain some semblance of family life amidst the madness.

With their connections to Ozzie and Stolas, IMP had become one of the most efficient and feared wet works groups in Hell. The missions were intense, often dangerous, but they always targeted the worst of the worst—those humans who truly deserved what was coming to them. Blitzø, ever the showman, took great pride in their work, carefully curating their hit list based on their rating system. Anyone below a 5 didn't even make the cut.

"Ozzie's gonna be real pleased with this one," Blitzø remarked as he reviewed their latest hit, a corrupt politician who had been siphoning money from public funds. "Definitely an 8. What do you think, Verosika?"

Verosika, lounging on the couch with a glass of wine, smirked. "He's scum. I'd give him a 9 just for that ugly tie he wore in the news interview. Seriously, who dresses that poorly with that much money?"

Barbie, leaning against the doorframe, chimed in. "Ain't it a bit strange that we're running hits on Earth and Hell like it's just another day at the office?"

Blitzø shrugged. "What can I say? We've got a unique skill set. Plus, it's kinda nice knowing we're doing something that actually makes the world—or at least Hell—a better place."

Moxxie, who had been polishing his gun, looked up and nodded. "I have to admit, it does feel… satisfying, in a way. Knowing that we're making a difference, even if it's in our own twisted way."

Millie, sitting beside him and sharpening her knives, grinned. "It's like Pa always said: Sometimes you gotta be the one to clean up the mess. 'Specially when no one else will."

Loona, sprawled out on the floor with a comic book, snorted. "You guys are so dramatic. It's just another day of killin' bad guys. Nothing we haven't done before."

Despite her nonchalant attitude, Loona had grown close to the team. She and Octavia had bonded over their shared experiences of feeling like outsiders, and the two often hung out together whenever Octavia came to visit. Loona had also taken to teasing Moxxie incessantly, much to his annoyance but also his quiet amusement. He had come to see Loona as the little sister he never had, even if she was a bit of a brat sometimes.

The family dynamic had become a central part of their lives, something they all valued despite the insanity of their work. Blitzø played the role of the dad, always trying to keep things together (even if he was just as chaotic as the rest of them), while Verosika took on the role of the mom, often scolding Blitzø for his antics but also being fiercely protective of the team.

Barbie, with her sharp wit and cool demeanor, was the "cool aunt" who always had a sarcastic comment ready but would drop everything to help when needed. Moxxie, the "dorky big brother," tried his best to be responsible, though his awkwardness often got the better of him. Millie, the "tough tomboy big sister," was the heart of the group, always ready to throw down for her family and quick to remind them all to stick together.

And then there was Loona, the "cool little sister," who loved to push everyone's buttons but would also defend them fiercely if anyone else tried to mess with her family.

In between missions, they spent their time together in Verosika's spacious penthouse, which had become their unofficial headquarters. It was a strange but comfortable place, filled with an eclectic mix of Hellish decor and Verosika's personal style—lots of pink, sparkles, and rockstar memorabilia. Blitzø had even managed to get a few of his circus posters up, much to Verosika's chagrin.

Meals were often chaotic, with everyone talking over each other, teasing, and occasionally throwing food. But there was a warmth to it, a sense of belonging that none of them had really known before.

One evening, after a particularly successful mission, they all gathered in the living room to relax. Blitzø was going on about their latest target, dramatically recounting how they'd taken him down, while Verosika rolled her eyes and sipped her wine.

"You're such a drama queen," she teased.

"Hey, I'm just giving the people what they want," Blitzø shot back, grinning.

Barbie smirked. "Who are 'the people'? It's just us here."

Blitzø waved a hand. "Details, details. Point is, we're freakin' awesome."

Millie leaned into Moxxie, who was sitting beside her, and smiled. "He's right, though. We're pretty badass."

Moxxie chuckled, feeling a swell of pride. "Yeah… Yeah, we are."

Loona, who had been pretending not to listen, snickered. "You're all so full of yourselves. But… yeah, we did good today."

Blitzø looked around at his team—his family—and felt a rare moment of contentment. For all their flaws and all the craziness they dealt with, they had something special here. They were a real family, something he'd always wanted but never thought he'd actually have.

"Alright, enough mushy stuff," Blitzø said, clapping his hands together. "Who's up for a movie night? I'm thinking 'Chainsaw Massacre IV: Bloodbath in the Bayou'."

Millie's eyes lit up. "Oh, I love that one!"

Moxxie winced. "Do we have to watch a horror movie?"

Verosika grinned. "C'mon, Mox. It's a classic."

Barbie laughed. "Besides, it's fun to watch you squirm."

Loona rolled her eyes. "Ugh, fine. But I'm picking the next one."

As they all settled in for the movie, Blitzø couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. They might be a bunch of misfits, but they were his misfits. And together, there was nothing they couldn't handle.

As the movie started, with its over-the-top gore and ridiculous plot, the room was filled with laughter, groans, and the occasional shout of "Watch out, behind you!" from Millie. It was chaotic, messy, and absolutely perfect.

In the midst of all the madness, they had found something they never expected—each other. And as long as they had that, they knew they could face whatever Hell—or Earth—threw at them.

As the weeks passed, life for IMP settled into a strange yet comforting rhythm. Missions were executed with precision and brutality, but when they returned home, the team members would slip back into their familial roles, a mix of bickering, teasing, and genuine care for one another.

Moxxie and Millie's training had become a regular part of the routine, with Blitzø and Barbie taking turns drilling them in combat tactics, weapons handling, and the finer points of assassination. Millie's natural toughness and country-bred instincts quickly made her a standout, earning her a reputation as a fierce fighter. She was always eager to learn, her eyes bright with excitement every time she successfully landed a blow or mastered a new skill.

Moxxie, on the other hand, struggled. His small frame and timid nature made him an easy target for Blitzø's sarcastic jabs and Loona's relentless teasing. Despite his determination to prove himself, he often fumbled with his weapons, his nerves getting the better of him in high-pressure situations.

"Come on, Moxxie!" Blitzø barked during one training session. "You've gotta be quicker than that! You think the target's gonna stand still and wait for you to load your gun?"

Moxxie, sweating profusely, fumbled with his firearm as he tried to reload it. "I'm trying, Blitz! It's just—"

"No excuses!" Blitzø interrupted, his voice sharp but not unkind. "You're better than this, Mox. I know you are. You just need to believe it."

Millie, standing off to the side, watched with concern. She had developed a soft spot for Moxxie, admiring his determination and the quiet strength she knew he possessed. She stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey, you got this," she said, her voice gentle. "Take a deep breath, focus. You're stronger than you think."

Moxxie looked at her, her words bolstering his confidence. With a nod, he took a deep breath, his hands steadying as he finally managed to reload the gun in record time. He looked up at Blitzø, who gave him an approving nod.

"Now that's more like it," Blitzø said with a grin. "You keep that up, and you might just survive out there."

Barbie, leaning against a wall with her arms crossed, smirked. "He'll be fine, Blitz. Moxxie's got heart. That counts for a lot."

Verosika, who had been watching from the sidelines, smiled softly. She had been skeptical about taking Moxxie in at first, but he had quickly wormed his way into her heart. She had never been much of a maternal figure, but she found herself caring deeply about this little imp with the big heart. And she could see how much Millie cared for him too.

The bond between Moxxie and Millie had grown stronger with each passing day. They spent nearly all their free time together, whether it was training, chatting, or simply enjoying each other's company. Millie's infectious optimism and country wisdom balanced out Moxxie's anxiety and self-doubt, and they made a surprisingly effective team.

Loona, meanwhile, had taken to her new role as the pesky little sister with relish. She loved teasing Moxxie about his awkwardness and his "fat butt," as she called it, but there was no malice behind her words. In her own way, Loona had come to care about him, even if she'd never admit it out loud.

One evening, after a particularly grueling day of training, the team gathered in Verosika's penthouse for dinner. Blitzø had attempted to cook, which meant that most of the food was burnt or undercooked, but nobody seemed to mind. They had all grown accustomed to Blitzø's questionable culinary skills.

As they sat around the table, laughter and conversation filled the room. Blitzø was recounting a particularly embarrassing moment from one of their early missions, much to everyone's amusement.

"And then he tripped over his own tail and fell right into the lava pit!" Blitzø said, cackling. "I swear, it was like something out of a cartoon!"

Everyone burst into laughter, even Moxxie, who was usually the target of Blitzø's jokes. It was moments like this, surrounded by his newfound family, that made him feel like he truly belonged.

Verosika, watching them all with a fond smile, raised her glass. "To us," she said. "To this crazy, dysfunctional family we've somehow managed to create."

Everyone raised their glasses in agreement, clinking them together with a cheer.

"To IMP!" Blitzø added. "The best damn hit squad in Hell!"

As the night went on, the conversation shifted to their next mission—a particularly dangerous one involving a high-ranking human crime lord. Blitzø and Verosika discussed the logistics while Barbie offered strategic advice. Moxxie and Millie listened intently, eager to prove themselves on the upcoming mission.

Later, as the group began to disperse for the night, Verosika pulled Moxxie and Millie aside.

"You two did good today," she said, her voice soft but firm. "You're learning fast, and I'm proud of you both."

Moxxie blushed slightly, unused to such direct praise. "Thank you, Verosika. That means a lot."

Millie beamed, her excitement evident. "We're just glad to be part of the team. And… well, to have each other."

Verosika raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a teasing smile. "Just remember what I said—no hanky-panky in that closet of yours. You're both still 15, and I'm not dealing with any teenage drama, got it?"

Millie laughed, while Moxxie turned beet red. "Y-Yes, ma'am!" he stammered.

With a satisfied nod, Verosika ruffled Moxxie's hair—a rare display of affection from the usually aloof succubus. "Good. Now get some rest. We've got a big day tomorrow."

As they headed to their makeshift bedroom in Verosika's walk-in closet, Moxxie couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. Despite the chaos, the danger, and the relentless teasing, he finally felt like he was part of something special. And with Millie by his side, he knew he could face anything that came their way.

The next morning, Blitzø had everyone up at the crack of dawn for a final round of training before their mission. The air was filled with the sounds of gunfire, clashing blades, and Blitzø's relentless barking of orders. Moxxie and Millie trained harder than ever, determined to prove themselves worthy of the team.

By the time they were done, everyone was exhausted but exhilarated. They had become a well-oiled machine, each member playing their part to perfection. Blitzø looked over his team with pride, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

As they gathered their gear and prepared to head out, Blitzø gave one final rallying cry. "Alright, IMP! Let's show these bastards what we're made of!"

With a cheer, they all piled into Verosika's hot pink Corvette, Blitzø's van and Barbie's motorcycle, ready to take on whatever Hell—and Earth—threw at them.

And as they sped off into the distance, the dysfunctional family that was IMP knew that no matter what happened, they would always have each other's backs. Because in the end, that was what truly mattered.

To be Continued…..